Peloton bike advice

[streakofmalevolence]

Seriously considering buying first generation peloton bike
Can anyone advise re do I need the peloton own brand bike shoes,or do the pedals have straps for normal training shoes?
Thanks in advance

You don't need Peloton brand shoes but unless you get the pedals with the toe cages, you will need cycling shoes fitted with Delta Look cleats. It's easier to use with cleats rather than toe cages so I'd recommend just going with the bike as it comes...

DH ordered mine so not sure what the choices are, but I can’t wear trainers only cycling shoes.

Thank you,wasn't aware there was an option for toe cages
Will that be something I request when ordering?

Hi @streakofmalevolence we've moved this thread to the cycling section for you where hopefully you'll get more answers.

Yes, there is an option when you order, but seriously DO consider not getting the toe cages, the motion of cycling when using cleats is much smoother and you get traction on the upward stroke as well as downward - while you can use toe cages of course, the risk of injury and not getting the full and proper experience is greater. I would really recommend ordering the bike with the standard pedals (cleats) and getting a pair of cycling shoes - you get any as long as the cleat fitting is DELTA-LOOK compatible.

What they said. You could get toe cages but it will be so much better with proper cycling shoes. You don’t have to have peloton official shoes, there are cheaper versions. Is there a special reason why you are not keen to get cycling shoes?

Totally agree, get the clip in cycling shoes. By the time you’ve done a dozen rides, you’ll be hooked and wanting to do more and more... You’ll be trying to max your output by getting up speed at high resistance or out of the saddle. These things are best done clipped in and being able to pull up efficiently, not just push down. You’ll only do this smoothly when clipped in, using the full range of your leg and butt muscles. Toe cages just don’t really support the full, smooth 360deg cycling motion as well.

If you are spending the amount a peloton costs, personally I’d just add the shoes to the package. OK, you won’t use them for anything else, but just consider them part of the bike. Or join the UK Ladies Peloton Facebook page and chat about the other shoes people like. I find my peloton brand shoes perfectly comfortable. I have never clipped in before -toe cages in pre Covid spin classes, I ride a mountain bike in normal trainers, but I wouldn’t be without cleats and clipping in on the peloton.

There are ways to get money off the accessories package which includes the shoes: referral codes, blue light card discount if you qualify, some health insurers offer free accessories packs or subscriptions...feel free to PM if you want a referral code for accessories.

I've pm'd you @Ramblingwords

I agree that the toe cages just aren't the same. I still go to the occasional spin class at the gym that has toe cages and its not the same experience. I've never used clipped in shoes before buying my peloton but they are easy to get used to. I have a referral code that will get you £100 off your package if anyone is interested, PM me!

I'm wanting a code @RNBrie but I'd messaged @Ramblingwords so had better give her more time to reply first. If not will pm you

Do you think someone who struggles to stick with any exercise plan for long will find it easier to stick with this? I think I will but DH isn't convinced.

Hi @Satsunday -i had a bunch of work mates and friends order bikes as we headed toward further lockdowns, so my code is all used up for 2020. If you want to order before January, hopefully @RNBrie can help you out with hers

@Satsunday Peloton is very addictive. There is a lot of clever psychology behind the design. I read a recent independent article in the financial press about why peloton has been so much more successful than other fitness businesses and the answer was that they have invested in keeping people hooked even after the big purchase ...the average buyer uses it 4x per week which is virtually unheard of with other home exercise equipment.

The thing that keeps me hooked is the interface that encourages me to keep up a run of weeks, or to complete a challenge. The variety is amazing too. You can find a 15 minute ride that is just a mood pick up, more serious long training/endurance rides, music themes, rides with lots of chat on various themes, rides with minimal chat. Whenever I think I'm not in the mood really, I think well what could I do...and I can always think of something that would be a change or lift my spirits.

Thanks @Ramblingwords. It sounds brilliant. It's the first thing I've read about where I think I might just stick with it for once. I watched an example class online and the music was so good. I've done loads of different exercise dvds at home but I get bored so easily with the same music over and over. So I think I would it but at least the 30 day trial is there if I don't.

@Satsunday I very much doubt that you’ll give it back after the 30 days.

I’d suggest signing up to challenges right at the very beginning. Click the challenge tab on the screen and just sign up to simple challenges that give you bronze, silver and gold badges for your miles and/or days worked out that month. They aren’t complicated and it’s nothing out of reach for a beginner, it’s just little dangling carrots for creating a habit.

Try the Mastering the Basics program at the beginning, maybe follow that with the Powerzone program. By following a program you’ll know what you are doing every time you get on and not be overwhelmed by the massive catalogue. Try adding 5/10 min warm ups and cool downs with random instructors to see who you like. Don’t feel you have to follow a program slavishly if you see a ride you fancy because of music or a seasonal theme.

Before you know it, you’ll be on your century ride, with your century t-shirt in the post and you’ll be hooked!

BTW there’s much more peloton chat on fb than on mn -suggest anyone getting a bike or even waiting find a tribe on fb. UK Ladies Peloton is good...you can find a peloton group for almost anything. I’m in a working mums one related to my job. It’s fun to do a live ride as a tribe now and again...and there are badges for social riding too.